Stories for January 13, 2011

A slow economy has forced food pantries and soup kitchens into high gear, with nearly 50 percent more people depending on them since 2006. And while food banks around the country struggle to meet the increased demand, they’re also pushing themselves to focus on what they're feeding people, not just how much.

"Dinosaur Wars" reveals the story of two paleontologists who uncovered the remains of 130 species of dinosaur and collected thousands of specimens, putting American science on the world stage in the late 1800s. Paleontologists Edward Cope and O.C. Marsh uncovered the remains of hundreds of prehistoric animals in the American West, including dozens of previously undiscovered dinosaur species. But the rivalry that developed between them would spiral out of control, permanently damaging their careers and threatening the future of American paleontology.

This episode explores how Roddenberry and Serling (of "The Twilight Zone") used the future as a stage for modern morality plays, and William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols and other science-fiction stars describe how they prepared to interact on-camera with a malevolent alien force... or, perhaps, a giant radish.

In the midst of Haiti’s lush mountains and historical relics is an epidemic of over 500,000 orphan children who wander the streets day and night. Known as the “soulless” and forgotten by their own people, they do what they must to survive each day. “Children of Haiti” follows three teenage boys who reflect on their country and their lives, while sharing a common dream of education, government assistance, and social acceptance.

The cruise business has been losing ground in San Diego and the bad news just got worse. Carnival Cruise Lines now says the Carnival Spirit, which can carry 2,600 passengers, will no longer be based in San Diego starting next year.

Hosted by The New York Times technology columnist David Pogue, this groundbreaking series focuses on the personal qualities that underlie the process of invention — the visionary talent, sheer luck and dogged determination that turn a wild idea into a cutting-edge material. What is the world’s strongest material? From steel to Kevlar and spider silk to carbon nanotubes, host David Pogue looks at the ways in which science and nature work to make strong stuff.

Jane Austen's appeal translated to the screen long ago, and now the stage becomes a home for the 19th century novelist's comedy of manners. The Old Globe will stage a musical version of "Emma," featuring the matchmaking heroine who can't figure out her own love life. We'll talk with the writer and composer of "Emma," along with director Jeff Calhoun.

Having a healthy baby takes a bit of work and awareness. Birth defects, if they are severe, can affect not only the baby but the whole family for the rest of their lives. And the costs can be enormous.

What are San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders' goals for 2011? We speak to KPBS Metro Reporter Katie Orr about the key issues the mayor discussed in his annual State of the City address. Plus, City Council President Tony Young joins us to share his thoughts on the mayor's speech, and to talk about his agenda for the year.